Helvie K. Leinenkugel

November 22, 1926 ~ November 8, 2019

Helvie Katherine (Niemi) Leinenkugel passed away peacefully surrounded by family at her home in Corral de Tierra, California, at the age of 92. She was one of eight children, born to Edward and Sanna Niemi of Ewen, Michigan. Helvie was married for 63 years to James Leinenkugel, who preceded her in death in 2014.

In addition to her husband James, Helvie was preceded in death by her parents, six of her siblings, and her son-in-law, Ken Martin. She is survived by her sister Ruth (Richard) Lund of Corvallis, Oregon; her four sons, James Michael of Corral de Tierra, Kurtis William (Chris) of Longwood, Florida, Edward Alan (Karen) of Astoria, Oregon, and Mark Andrew (Krista) of Dallas, Texas; her daughter, Julie Karin Martin of Seattle, Washington; her grandchildren, Alex and Adrian Martin of Seattle, Alexandra Leinenkugel of Austin, Victoria (Trey) Coleman of Denton, Gabriella Leinenkugel of Dallas; her great granddaughter, Poppy Coleman of Denton, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Helvie was raised in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, moved briefly to Ohio after graduating from high school, and then moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she met the love of her life, Jim Leinenkugel. An adventurous life journey soon began. After the birth of their oldest two sons in Wisconsin, the young family moved to Maracaibo, Venezuela, where another son and a daughter were born. Then the family moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for a few years before Helvie and her children joined Jim in Monterrey, Mexico, for his new job. The family lived in Monterrey for two years, during which time her youngest son was born.

After Mexico, the family moved to Arizona in 1963, where Helvie lived for 34 years until Jim and Helvie retired to Corral de Tierra, California, in 1997. Jim and Helvie joined Corral de Tierra Country Club where Helvie made several new friends. She joined the 9-hole Women’s Golf Club and eventually served as the group’s president. She also participated in the neighborhood book club where Helvie enjoyed spending time with friends who shared her love of reading.

Helvie was blessed and privileged to witness and experience memorable moments in fascinating places throughout the world, visiting and living in places where many people only dream of seeing in person. However, Helvie also appreciated being a homebody, retreating to her “mom cave” to read in private or watch her favorite television shows. She particularly enjoyed watching ice skating and dancing.

At Helvie’s request, there will be no services. Burial will be in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. Remembrances can be made to the VNA Hospice at www.ccvna.com.